The Unity state government announced the SPLA-In Opposition rebels captured Kilo 30 area after launching an attack on their forces near Bentiu Monday.
State security advisor John Malok told Radio Tamazuj that Riek Machar’s rebels under the command of Michael Makal crossed from Heglig with 37 vehicles mounted with heavy guns and attacked SPLA positions in the state, taking Kilo 30.
The official said SPLA-Juba forces in Bentiu won’t attack, but are ready to repulse any rebel attacks. He reiterated their commitment to respecting the cessation of hostilities agreement.
Malok further claimed that the rebels were planning to attack Bentiu on Wednesday at Nhialdiu, Guit, and Rubkona.
SPLA-IO military spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang denied Malok’s claims of capturing Kilo 30 in a statement to Radio Tamazuj, though he admitted there were clashes around Bentiu.
Lul accused the government forces of planning to attack their positions in Unity state.
“Our forces have not been there,” he said. “Our forces are stationed about 5 kilometers far away from Bentiu town.”
Separately, Mayom County Commissioner John Bol told Radio Tamazuj that the rebels launched an attack on Wankei payam, but were repulsed by government forces.
Bol said that the attack resulted in losses from the rebel side. He accused the opposition of violating the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in Ethiopia.
President Salva Kiir said in the opening session of the governors’ forum on Monday that fresh clashes occurred in Unity state the day peace talks were expected to start in Ethiopia.
He accused the rebels of lacking commitment to the terms and conditions of the agreement they signed with government.
“While we are here to talk about peace and reconciliation, Riek and his group are thinking about stories to tell the international community to cover up what they are doing,” said Kiir.
Photo: Soldiers in Bentiu, 12 January 2014 (Mackenzie Knowles-Coursin/AP)